Stress monitoring of ambulance personnel during work and leisure time

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess physiological and subjective stress markers during a 24-h ambulance work shift and during the next two work-free days, and relate these parameters to self-reported health complaints. Methods: Twenty-six ambulance personnel were followed during a 24-h work shift and during the next two work-free days with electrocardiogram, cortisol assessments and diary notes. The ambulance personnel also performed tests of autonomic reactivity before and at the end of the work shift. The subjects were categorized into two groups according to their number of health complaints. Results: In general, stress markers did not show differences between the work shift and leisure time. However, a modest deviation in heart rate variability pattern and higher morning cortisol values during work in comparison with work-free days were observed in personnel with many health complaints. Conclusions: Subjective and physiological characteristics of ambulance personnel did not indicate distinctive stress during the 24-h work shift. Relationships between frequent health complaints and specific work-related factors require further prospective studies.

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP Hälsovetenskap Arbetsmedicin och miljömedicin hsv//swe
MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES Health Sciences Occupational Health and Environmental Health hsv//eng
Adult
Ambulances manpower
Blood Pressure physiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Emergency Medical Technicians psychology
Energy Metabolism physiology
Female
Heart Rate physiology
Humans
Hydrocortisone analysis
Leisure Activities
Male
Medical Records
Monitoring Physiologic
Occupational Diseases diagnosis epidemiology psychology
Personnel Staffing Scheduling
Questionnaires
Stress diagnosis epidemiology
Stress Psychological diagnosis epidemiology
Time Factors
Work Schedule Tolerance

Kalezic, NebojsaUmeå universitet,Högskolan i Gävle,Centrum för belastningsskadeforskning,Institutionen för kirurgisk och perioperativ vetenskap(Swepub:hig)nkc (author)
Lyskov, EugeneHögskolan i Gävle,Centrum för belastningsskadeforskning(Swepub:hig)ekv (author)
Ängquist, Karl-AxelUmeå universitet,Kirurgi,Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, University of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden(Swepub:umu)kaan0026 (author)
Barnekow-Bergkvist, MargaretaHögskolan i Gävle,Centrum för belastningsskadeforskning(Swepub:hig)mbi (author)
Högskolan i GävleCentrum för belastningsskadeforskning (creator_code:org_t)

In:International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health: Springer Science and Business Media LLC80:1, s. 51-590340-01311432-1246

By the author/editor: Aasa, Ulrika; Kalezic, Nebojsa; Lyskov, Eugene; Ängquist, Karl-A ...; Barnekow-Bergkvi ...

About the subject

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES: MEDICAL AND HEAL ...; and Health Sciences; and Occupational Hea ...

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